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Kelowna  

A Royal time ahead

The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge have had a soggy experience so far in Canada, but perhaps this dreary weather makes the Royal couple feel right at home.

An aerial tour of the Great Bear Rainforest and a boat tour of Bella Bella Harbour was canceled Monday for Prince William and Kate due to soggy conditions.

The sunny Okanagan also may not live up to its name when the duo arrives in Kelowna on Tuesday. There is a 30 per cent chance of showers in the morning with strong winds of up to 50 kilometres an hour.

Hopefully the rain will clear by the time William and Kate reach their first destination at UBC Okanagan set for 12:30 p.m.

There the couple be part of an unveiling of a 10th anniversary plaque, as well as view a large piece of Indigenous art commissioned to honour the unique partnership between UBC Okanagan and the Okanagan Nation Alliance.

Then they are set to tour the university, meet with students and take in a intra-squad game by the women’s volleyball team.

Due to the Royal visit there will be no public parking and possibly some transit delays at UBCO.  The public should also expect traffic delays along Highway 97. The speed limit will be reduced to 60 km/hr between Edwards Road and Airport Way. Regular traffic flow is expected to resume by 3 p.m.

The Highway 97 access ramp to John Hindle Drive will be closed at 11 a.m. to traffic, except for transit vehicles. After 11 a.m., the only access to the University area will be via Airport Way.

Taking transit or carpooling is recommended. Kelowna Regional Transit is adding several buses to Route 97 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The university will be open and classes will be in session.

For those planning to attend the university to catch a glimpse of William and Kate there will be an opportunity to gather in the central courtyard.

The entire visit, including the public ceremony in the central courtyard and the Duke and Duchess’s visit with students in the gymnasium, will be televised on large screens in the courtyard and the University Commons for those assembled on campus.

There are some undeveloped properties on Innovation Drive north of UBC Okanagan campus that have been made available by property owners at a cost of $10.

These limited spaces will be serviced by a shuttle that will make their way to campus beginning at 8:15 am and finishing at 3 pm.

From there, the Royal entourage will move on to Mission Hill Family Estate winery; where they will view the vineyard and tour stations displaying key sectors of the province’s agri-food industry.

Castanet will be following the Royal tour to both UBC Okanagan and Mission Hill Winery.

UBC Okanagan will live stream the event here.

Ahead of the William and Kate’s visit Castanet hit the streets to find out what the residents of Kelowna would ask the couple if they were given the chance.

Watch here.



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